Celiac disease is a digestive disorder in which the intestines are damaged and cannot properly absorb nutrients. People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. You must follow a 100 percent gluten-free diet if you have celiac disease, which can be very difficult because gluten is in many processed foods and products. Although it is more common to lose weight with celiac disease, some people with the disease are obese and may have to lose substantial amounts of weight.
Step 1
Watch your total consumption of calories and fat. According to Elizabeth Wall, MS, RD, CNSD, LDN at the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, many gluten-free processed foods contain more calories and fat than comparable items that do contain gluten. These excess calories and fat may lead to weight gain. Many foods that contain empty calories, such as candy and soda, are also gluten-free, which you should avoid if you want to lose weight.
Step 2
Cut your daily calorie intake by 500 to 1,000 calories. It takes 3,500 calories to gain or lose a pound, and you can safely lose up to two pounds per week. Reducing your calorie intake by 500 to 1,000 calories a day will help you lose one to two pounds per week.
Step 3
Exercise more. The National Institute of Health recommends getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in at least five days per week. Aerobic exercises include walking, swimming, dancing and jogging. Add weight lifting or resistance training at least twice a week. Resistance training will build muscle, which burns more fat.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose healthy, gluten-free foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean meats.
- Do not skip meals to try to lose weight faster. Read ingredient lists carefully. Gluten often appears in unexpected foods, including ketchup, barbecue sauces and salad dressings.
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